Chapter 128
Doris laughed when she heard that. Her eyes sparkled mischievously. “Mr. Hartman, are yous jeder
“Besides not liking sweet things, I don’t like sour ones either‘ Lewis expression was full of smug arrogance
“Oh.” Doris acted as if she’d just realized something. “Since you are not jealous, then hurry up and sell me?
Lewis pulled the corners of his lips into a faint smirk, his tone indifferent. “Doris, we might not be a loving couple, but I’m still your husband in name.”
“You’re sitting right in front of me, grilling me about another man’s preferences–who, by the way, happens to be my friend Don’t you think that’s a little inappropriate?
“Do you even know what I like to eat and what I don’t? Do you know my height and weight? My favorite sport My favorite color? Do you even know who my family members are… Do you know anything about me?
Doris was stumped by the barrage of questions.
“I guess… I don’t really know,” She smiled awkwardly before turning it around on him. “Then do you know wha 1 the
“You love seafood and can’t go without spice. You like green plants, especially succulents. Your favorite flower is the sunflower. You prefer light colors. You hate exercise but love eating. You enjoy drinking a little but have no tolerance–whea you’re drunk, you bite people.
“Your parents are both alive. You have an older sister and a younger brother. You’re the second child in the family Lewis listed everything in one breath, without a single pause.
Doris‘ big eyes were filled with pure shock.
She’d never told him any of this, she wondered how he knew it all this clear.
“If you pay even a little attention, you can figure these things out just from spending time together.” Lewis answered the unspoken question in her mind. “Doris, have you ever actually seen me as your husband?
“Or do you think I’m just a husband in name only, so there’s no need to waste your energy on me?”
Doris suddenly felt a little ashamed. Compared to Lewis, she really was an unqualified “wife in name only.
“No, that’s not it.” Doris shook her head. “I just never paid attention. But I do know you like light food and enjoy exercising. You’re tall and a ridiculously handsome guy with long legs.”
She showered Lewis with praise, secretly watching his expression. But Lewis remained expressionless, completely unfazed by the flattery.
Doris sat up straight and asked seriously, “Mr. Hartman, what’s your favorite food? Your favorite color? Your favorite flower? Your favorite…”
“You’re asking now? That’s not very sincere.” Lewis refused to answer.
Doris‘ eyes widened.
Lewis picked up the glass of water from the coffee table and took a sip.
“Actually, I’m asking about Mr. Mitchell’s preferences for Lola, not because I want to know.” Doris decided to be honest.
“Oh?” Lewis raised an eyebrow, pretending he had no idea.
1/3
Chapter 128
“I mean it.” Doris looked serious, hoping Lewis would believe her.
“Why is Ms. Bates asking about Ivan?”
“Lola told me today that she wants to pursue Mr. Mitchell.” Doris admired Lola’s determination. “You’re good friends with him, right? She just wants to know more about him, so she asked me to ask you”
“Feelings have to be mutual,” Lewis said.
“That’s exactly what I told her.” Doris was curious. “Who does Mr. Mitchell like?”
“I’ve already said, we may be friends, but we don’t pry into each other’s personal matters–especially not our love lives.” Lewis emphasized again. “Instead of trying to get information out of me, you should just tell Ms. Bates to give up sooner rather than later.
“Ivan called me today. Since Ms. Bates is your friend, he didn’t want to be too harsh. So he’s leaving it to you to put an end to her one–sided crush. It’s not like she’s deeply invested yet, so it won’t be too painful.”
Doris knew Lewis had a point–unreciprocated love simply wasn’t worth it.
“I already tried to talk to her.” Doris didn’t want Lola to get hurt. “But she’s pretty set on this.”
“As long as you’ve done your part.”
“I get how she feels. She just wants to give it her best shot. No matter how it turns out, at least she won’t have any regrets. If she gave up without even trying, she’d definitely regret it.”
Doris‘ long lashes fluttered slightly. “Honestly, I admire her courage. She’s brave enough to go after what she wants, even if it means getting hurt.”
Doris arrived at the café at nine. A little later, Laura showed up–with Arianna.
Arianna had her hair in cute little braids and was carrying a panda–shaped backpack.
“Doris, hug!” Arianna saw her and ran over happily.
Doris picked her up and gently pinched her tiny nose.
“Doris, I have to trouble you to watch Ari again today.” Laura still felt a little guilty.
Doris had already helped her so much, and she’d caused Doris quite a bit of inconvenience.
“Laura, come on. If you keep saying that, I’m getting mad.” Doris pretended to be annoyed. “Ari’s a good girl. She doesn’t run around or cause trouble.”
“Alright, alright, I won’t say it anymore.” Laura laughed.
Holidays and weekends were the busiest times at the restaurant, and nobody was allowed to take time off.
Since kindergarten was also closed, and Laura had to work, there was no one to take care of Arianna.
Once Doris found out about Laura’s situation, she offered to let Laura bring Arianna to Loris Café on weekends and holidays so she could look after her.
Knowing Doris was taking care of Arianna, Laura felt at ease. But the café wasn’t just Doris‘. She was worried Doris‘ business partner might mind.
13:24 Wed, 12 Mar M
Chapter 128
Doris introduced Laura to Lola. Once Laura saw that Lola was a warmhearted and kind person, her worries completely disappeared.
75%
“Ari, Mommy’s going to work now. I’ll pick you up after my shift, so be good and listen to Doris, okay?” Laura reminded her.
“Don’t worry, Mommy! I’ll listen to Doris.” Arianna hugged Doris tightly.
“Laura, if you don’t leave now, you’re gonna be late.” Doris nudged her.
Laura checked the time. “Oh shoot, you’re right! I gotta go.”
She quickly ran off to catch the subway.
Doris carried Arianna into the office she shared with Lola and sat her down on a chair.
She took off Arianna’s panda backpack, opened it up, and pulled out some drawing paper and watercolor pens.
“Ari, play here for a bit. Doris has
to work. If you need anything, just come find me.”
“Okay.” Arianna spread out the drawing paper.
Doris headed out.
Since it was the weekend, the café was super busy.
When Lola arrived, the first thing she saw in the office was Arianna, quietly drawing.
“Lola!” Arianna had such a sweet voice that Lola’s heart practically melted.
“Ari’s here!” Lola reached out and patted the sof
later.”
“Okay.” Arianna nodded with a big smile.
top of her head. “I’ll go work first, but I’ll bring you something yummy
Lola tied on her apron and headed to the register to help out.
Doris packed the desserts and handed the bag to the customer. “Next.”
Kyle said, “One Americano, one coconut latte, and a tiramisu.”
Doris was surprised. “It’s you?”
